So You Want to Move to Israel?

When I told people that my husband and I, with our five kids in tow, were moving to Israel, they thought I was crazy. At some level, I wondered the same thing.

I remember the first time I publicly revealed my plans to make Aliyah to Israel. I had telephoned the president of our local Jewish day school to tell him that I could not serve on the board for the upcoming year because my husband and I, with five little ones in tow, were moving to the land of milk and honey. In the midst of the Intifada.

"You are moving to Israel," he said slowly, as if I must have undergone a lobotomy.

"Yes," I replied, feeling like I was having an outer body experience.

"And this is something you want to do," he said, indicating his further confirmation of my temporary mental imbalance.

At some level, I wondered the same thing. Even a cursory inventory of the muster it takes to move to Israel is enough to make the most desirous of Zionist dreamers wither in their tracks, and I have to admit, at the time I was no Zionist dreamer. Initially, we had simply wanted to live closer to my husband's family who all live in Israel.

But being close to family was not a sufficient impetus; we had discussed the move for almost ten years -- ever since we got married. There always seemed to be a good reason not to go. And then, one night, as I put my four year old to bed, I sat next to her and watched the slowing calm of her familiar breathing, her rounded cheeks and lips puckering in and out, as she lay in a cocooned slumber that only a child can know. She looked so helpless, innocent, and it made me do the most natural thing for a mother -- it made me worry. My thoughts started to wander. What would her life be like? Who would her friends be? What outside influences would shape her -- teachers, not-so-desirous contemporaries? I worried about the values and character traits she would develop.

No matter how gracious the foreign host country where a Jewish spirit resides, it isn't home.

Like any parent, I wanted my children to be raised with pride, with a feeling of solid identity. I hoped that the foundation, the core of their personality, would flourish in a land in which every facet of life, even the secular, embodies some representative core of the collective Jewish soul.

It struck me that for a Jew, Israel is pure nourishment, like water for the body. No matter how gracious the foreign host country where a Jewish spirit resides, it isn't home. Home is everything familiar; it is connection; it is roots. It is the unspeakable understanding that you, as a Jew, are somehow connected to every other Jew.

I took a second look at our desires to live close to family; to know who their Savta [grandmother] is, to know intricately the native language of our prayer, to know what it is to celebrate Sukkot along a lined pathway of reverberating sukkahs, and to know that all-encompassing feeling of belonging. These aspects seemed to tower over the benefits, no matter how important, that we would be relinquishing.

Around this time, my husband's father had a minor surgery. We also learned that the upcoming school tuition would sprawl to a mentally unfathomable $22,000 for three preschool children to attend half-days. With renewed commitment, we reopened our Aliyah file and I plunged into the mire of Aliyah details, four months pregnant.

Three months after our baby was born, we began our journey -- seven family members, 24 suitcases (it took a caravan of three trucks to actually take us to the airport), and one 20-foot cubic container.

It is now just over two years later and I must admit that it has been one of the most difficult transitions I have experienced. I never fathomed the magnitude of the transition -- the family, friends and community we would miss; the barrier of the language and the simple ability to understand and express myself whether overjoyed or overwhelmed; the variant careers paths; and giving up all that is familiar -- knowing where everything is on the grocery aisle, the educational system, the friendly bank teller, our pediatrician, over-the-counter medicines that worked best when our children had fevers, and an endless list of what comprises the daily routines that constitutes the comfort of the familiar.

Yet there is no description for the sense of holiness that pervades Israel -- despite the traffic, the long lines, the belligerence, affectionately known as "chutzpah." The Talmud says that "to acquire Israel, you have to suffer." Isn't this true of all that is worthwhile, of every milestone which a person accomplishes on his life's journey? There is a pride that comes from knowing that despite the cultural obstacles, the ongoing terrorist attacks which threaten us, the bureaucratic headaches, you have somehow done it. You made the move; you are privileged to live every day in a land that our recent ancestors could only dream about.

And everything fits so smoothly -- you don't have to explain to anyone what Purim is, esrogs abound before Sukkot, shuls fill many corners, and the opportunities to learn Torah and grow spiritually can almost drown you. There is an endless, engaging energy -- a pulse and a grace -- that comes from the beat of the nation, a natural proud defiance that we exist in spite of every imaginable obstacle and by the grace of God.

The Land of Israel embraces our people, and it waits for you like a mother with outstretched arms that never tire.

And, of course, there is the incomparable sensation of seeing your children deliriously happy because Israelis don't only like, they love children, and they love your children. Everyone here, including the men, is a Jewish mother and ready to offer you advice on how to raise, educate and form the character of your little ones.

For children, the cultural environment is more intoxicating than a trip to Alice's wonderland. My children are filled from the minute they rise until they settle in at night with a womb of Jewishness.

Living in Eretz HaKodesh, the Holy Land, represents so much - the voracious struggles, the nobility of countless lives lost in defense of it, the gusto of moment-to-moment living, the reflection of our values, and the hope of our redemption. It holds the memories and traces of great spiritual and secular giants whose paths crossed here centuries ago. Eretz Yisrael embraces our people, and it waits for you like a mother with outstretched arms that never tire. It teaches you a pride and a respect for the tenaciousness of our people, who refuse to give up, who acquire Israel through their daily struggles. These are the heroes of our collective present. They safeguard the homeland for all of us, so that another generation will have the hope to return.

The powerful force of this place has brought out in me an energy that I never knew. Yes I have learned where the items are in the grocery store. I like our new pediatrician and our friendly neighbors who keep a lazy eye on our children as they play outside in the sandbox. I like visiting Savta on a weekly basis and I have been blessed with a good place of employment. It has all come together with the clear, permeating warmth of a Divine hand.

In memory of my mother, Chana Leah bat Rivka on the fifth anniversary of her Yahrzeit, 22 Shevat.

Visitor Comments: 36

I know Israel has problems but if more of us made our home there could we not change things for the better? I would love to live with my fellow Jews.

(33)
Sandra,
May 19, 2014 7:43 PM

I would love to move to Israel its just something that I feel is calling me for a long time.... I am currently researching jobs in Israel I am a Medical Assistant but would take a job in anything right now God bless to all.

(32)
michael mcgee,
June 5, 2013 10:21 PM

a non jew loves israel

I finely found a place to call home.. yet as a non jew even willing to convert it is almost impossible to do,,How sad i come from a land that welcomes everyone and the one place i want to be is almost out of reach..i spent 6 weeks traveling thru this beautiful country and meeting its wonderful caring people...still searching for a way to make it happen..Shalon and layla tov

(31)
Sarah Green,
September 9, 2012 8:12 PM

Moving to Israel

I also always had the dream of moving to Israel. I married an Israeli and did, only to find out how mundane and unholy a place it really is.
Keep on dreaming in the States, make money enough to visit and be the foreigner who can afford to go back home. Your children will benefit from that.
Apart from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv the rest of Israel is like Arab lands - backwards and full of violent thieves.
Keep on dreaming of Israel and let it not become a nightmare like mine has!

Rebecca Morgan,
October 30, 2014 4:04 PM

WOW!

Please tell us more about Israel! I never dreamed it was a night-mare.

(30)
sabrina,
August 2, 2012 2:27 AM

I want to move but my husband wants none of it. Before I got pregnant and we had to get married I would've moved as soon as I was out of the army. But now with a six month old I don't know if I have the courage to go. However I would like to visit someday. And I feel I will always say at Pesach "Next year in Jerusalem."

(29)
Kenneth Goss,
March 15, 2012 11:34 PM

I am a Zionist.

Always wanted to live in Isreal. I am the indigent, I have money for housing and. I Am a 51 year old phaacist

Anonymous,
October 12, 2013 4:48 PM

did you make it to israel?

I am also in my fifties and have longed to go to israel all my life. I am free of children now as she has moved away and see this is my chance to make this happen. I am not Jewish but I am a Christian with a strong love for Israel. I've heard of Zionist and think we are on the same page. Sincerely. Theresa

(28)
Anonymous,
December 6, 2011 6:11 AM

Israel my Dream!

Thank You for writing this article. I can relate to you a little since my family moved to US when I was 13, and we had 24 fifty lb bags. But I always knew that we had to go to Israel. Now that I am finishing university, I just want to go to Israel. That is my desire. I dream about Israel all the time, and I cannot explain where it all comes from.

(27)
Anonymous,
July 12, 2011 12:43 AM

A Blessing.

Even just to visit Israel will move your heart and soul.I truly love it their.To walk in the steps of our ancestors,to pray at the Kotel with other Jews.It must be so fulfilling living there.Don't be like me,I left it till to late as I am now very I'll and waiting/hoping for a transplant.If it is in your heart just do it.

(26)
danielle,
May 28, 2011 3:24 AM

I want back home....

I am missing my jewish historical homeland. I've been missing it for long. Every day I check israeli news and now I am going to persuade my family and even my old grandma to go there.

(25)
Johan,
May 24, 2011 6:54 PM

Would love to visit Israel!

Do you have to be Jewish in order to be able to move to Israel? Im from the Netherlands.. Could I move to Israel? I have a friend who lives in Tel Aviv..
Have a great day you all!

(24)
Kate,
September 13, 2010 2:48 PM

Just realised I am Israeli

My father revealed to me the other day that a big part of my heritage is Israeli. I ,was shocked and had never considered it possible partly because I have blonde hair and blue eyes and rather fair skin. I have always been pro-Israel and felt drawn to country even before I knew. I had already been planning to do Kibbutz and tried to research Israeli history when I had free time. I also discovered that through my Grandmother I am a direct descendant of King David. It felt like a sign. I feel like I need to be in Israel and I would love to move there one day. I don't know how to go about it but I am sure i will figure it out.

(23)
Anonymous,
August 25, 2010 7:47 PM

I want to be jewish

(22)
Shimon Beloucif,
July 22, 2010 8:56 PM

I love Israel

Shalom!
I'm a Sephardi jewish living in Canada. I'd love to move to Israel one day for good!

(21)
emma,
January 17, 2010 4:06 AM

why wait

i know this may sound a little on the spontanious side...but why are you all waiting? I decided that I wanted to move to israel this week. We had a ticket booked to go visit in March anyway, but no we are justgng to extend the ticke for a year. My partners faily are there and they havent met our baby. Anying could happen between now and 2 years. Just pack up and go if you really want to go somewhere....if you donj't have much money just get a job afer you settle....things always work out....if you believe they will

(20)
simon,
November 26, 2009 7:53 AM

i love israel

i am living in india with my family,my childred joshua and judah with my wife rekha ,we like to go to israel as i am a at staunch supporter of israel i had visited twice to israel in 2003,2005.i would like to live in israel and serve israel.will anybody help me to go to israel.
Bless, Support and Pray for Israel

(19)
Anonymous,
August 13, 2009 11:09 AM

How much needed to move to Israel?

My husband and our adult son wish to move to Israel. My husband is from Israel but has been in the states 34 years now. My son has visited and is positive about moving there with no reservations. However; we think we need about $100K to move there. This would be to pay off our bills here, leaving no problems behind and to have enough to buy a home in Israel and get settled. We own a home and have some equity and have some retirement money. I expect we are about 30-40k short of our goal. We are in our late 50's and expect to collect social security at some time in the future. I know there are organizations that will help after we move, like Nefesh b Nefesh and the Israel Aliyah center. Maybe the 100K seems to be a lot, but remember we are not young people and jobs might be scarce. How much do people really need to get to Israel..not including any moving or travel expenses. Just figuring after we arrive.

(18)
Tiffany,
July 21, 2009 8:26 PM

Thoughts on Moving

Me and my family were thinking about moving to Israel also, Everyday i work a little bit on our moving plan. Right now we are hoping to move within two years...

(17)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2009 2:36 AM

I love israel.

I moved back from Israel about 5months and I miss it deeply. I am 25 years old and I know my soul and life is in Israel. I am moving back next month for good. i felt alive and happy everyday i was there. Now that I'm back in L.a and life doesn't compare to Israel.

(16)
Bobby,
May 5, 2009 6:22 PM

if you think the south is anti-semetic, you should go to San Francisco or Seattle

(15)
Michaela,
February 11, 2009 9:02 PM

Re: Jim in GA

I hate to tell you, but Barb isn't alone in facing antisemitism in the Deep South. I'm in the woods of east Texas, and I've faced (admittedly far more mild) prejudice. And no, whites are still in the vast majority, and yes, blacks and religious minorities are still experiencing prejudice.
Re: Barb, I hope you and your family can find your true home, wherever in may be. Good luck.

(14)
Jim in GA,
December 28, 2008 9:35 PM

Israel has the guts my country once had

Barb please do Alabama and the rest of the south a favor and let the readers of this board know that your case was the exception and not the rule. This isn't the '60's anymore, most of the rascism here is now directed at whites, not at Jews or blacks. I've seen it, and have been the victim of it. I myself would love to move to Israel to help Gods chosen people fight the good fight against the terrorists.

(13)
Barb,
October 20, 2008 6:13 PM

for our mom

we are Jews in the middle of the bayou of Alabama. we have spent our lives moving, the homeless wandering jews. This Passover, we fled for our lives as we were the victims of a hate crime. The neighbors hated that we were poor jews living next to them, day in and out they tormented us, vandalized our belongings, and tresspassed in our home. Yet everytime our humble mom called the police, they told her they knew the people and would talk to them. Get out of these parts you are not from here you basterd jews! I heard it almost everyday for a year. Finally the arrest was made. They arrested the neighbors. But you should have seen how they interrogated our mom. Were you dressed in an orthodox manner was one of the questions. The cheif of police even told us just move. Its all we do, we said. How do we go back home to Israel where our gandparents came from. My mom is a Bronx ghetto jew who moved to the middle of no where, looking for home. I told her home is back to Israel. when we fled our words to the land of KKK -Shalom you-all. Send reply please--Joshua

(12)
Stacie,
September 21, 2008 10:33 AM

it takes much courage to follow such a dream. I've dreamed of living in Israel for several years now, and while the thought is a little scary it is also intoxicating. i also have small children, and i can only imagine how living in such a holy place would shape their character and their impressionable young minds. I really feel as though Israel is calling to me. I can hear it's voice everyday... God bless you for having such courage.

(11)
Alessio,
August 18, 2008 5:03 PM

God Bless You and Yours

What a lovely story, I thank you for sharing it.

(10)
Elizabeth,
November 23, 2007 12:32 PM

Moving to Israel

I would love to move to Israel My Hebrew is not very good. Where would I start? Jobs? where to live etc? My son is a sophmore in high school how would i find out about him going to school?

(9)
Anonymous,
February 10, 2006 12:00 AM

Outstanding

I enjoyed looking at the Western wall via net. I have been thinking of moving to Israel. I am a reform jew currently living in Odessa the Ukraine. I have been working in the CIS for about 10 years. Believe it is time to make the move before I get to much older.
Thanks for the net site.

(8)
yona,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

moving to Israel

Because of my husbands job we can not move to Israel but I am planning on taking My 6 kids for 6 mths to Israel. I would like to give them the love for Israel that I have and I want to put them in a kipah Sruga School from feb. to end of the year so that they can experience the language and children from Israel. My children are very exciter about this opertunity. I have tried to look on line, spoke to some friends who have Israeli friends and called Israels Municipality yet, I have not found any help in where to go, a moshav, a kibbutz a big city? no one has ever heard of anyone doing such a thing and they don't know if the schools will acept my children and where to begin. If you have any suggestions please e-mail them to me. Thank you . Yona

(7)
Anonymous,
September 26, 2004 12:00 AM

Moving to Israel

This past summer my husband and I along with our four kids visited Israel for two weeks. I fell in love. I think I'm ready to move there! My husband lived there for 3 years earlier in his life but it was my first trip. I would love to read about anyone else's journey there, getting ready, contemplations, how to plan for such a move. My husband thinks I'm crazy, as I am not Jewish, but I can't explain it. Something just touched me, and I really miss it. I enjoyed really the summary on moving to Israel and I was actually jealous, reading it. I'm glad I stumbled upon your website!

(6)
betti miner,
February 28, 2004 12:00 AM

inspiring!

I am too, contemplating making Aliyah one fine day. I fell in love with the Holy Land the first time we laid eyes on it 7 years ago. I have a form from Nefesh B'Nefesh and hope to use it very soon. There is only my husband and I and we want to spend our "golden years" in the home of our ancestors. Thank you Sarah for your beautiful experience in making Aliyah. If you can move five children and your husband and yourself, then I know everything is possible. G-d bless Israel!!! Thank you.

(5)
Anonymous,
February 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank you

Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. I am truly inspired.

(4)
Leonie Lachmish,
February 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Welcome home!

I made that trip 25 years ago and never regretted it. The popular Israeli song goes "Ein li Eretz Aheret" = I have no other Land. And it is true on every level-spiritual, intellectual, physical. God bless Israel.

(3)
Caroline,
February 23, 2004 12:00 AM

Thanks for sharing the beauty of Israel

Your article about Israel inspired me to maybe one day make the same move, because these days all I hear are negative comments about Israel: the terrorism, the economy, the people, the government. My family is Israeli and whenever I talk to them they tell me all the downfalls of living in Israel. I was beginning to forget that Israel does have another side to her that shines through even during the darkest times. Please keep us updated on your aliyah! And mazal tov for making the move with your family!

(2)
JOSIE KNEISEL,
February 23, 2004 12:00 AM

I REALLY ENJOYED THE STORY.I TOO WOULD LOVE TO MOVE TO ISRAEL,TO LEARN ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND SEE THE HOLY LAND.

(1)
Zachariah Kessin,
February 22, 2004 12:00 AM

You must be crazy to move here

But welcome home! I made aliyah at the end of August and it has been wonderful (Mostly). I got engaged to a wonderful woman I met here and have made some wonderful friends.

There are things I miss about the USA (like the bookstores) and things that drive me nuts about israel, like the fact that everyone smokes. But I love it.